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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Securities and Exchange Board of India launches three Information Technology platforms to boost ease of doing business, transparency, and cybersecurity oversight

• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) launched three new Information Technology (IT) platforms to enhance ease of doing business, transparency, and cybersecurity oversight.
• The three platforms are SUPCOMS, e-adjudication portal, and Cyber-Sec Audit Compliance (C-SAC), each designed for a specific regulatory function.
• SUPCOMS (Single Universal Platform for Communication System) is a unified communication platform that replaces email-based interactions with SEBI.
• SUPCOMS ensures centralised communication, audit trails, and strong institutional memory, preventing fragmented and broken communication chains.
• The e-adjudication portal digitises quasi-judicial proceedings, allowing entities to access notices, submit replies, and attend hearings online.
• This portal improves transparency, efficiency, and digital access to regulatory proceedings.
• C-SAC (Cyber-Sec Audit Compliance) is an AI-enabled cybersecurity supervision tool developed by SEBI.
• C-SAC analyses cyber audit reports of regulated entities to identify compliance gaps, risk areas, and security vulnerabilities.
• It provides data-driven insights, risk scores, and comparative analysis, supporting risk-based supervision.
• The platform enhances regulatory efficiency, reduces manual effort, and strengthens cybersecurity governance.

Recent News :

• In April 2026, The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is set to launch a digital platform called SEBI SETU to expand the base of Investment Advisers (IAs) in India.

About SEBI :

• Established : 12 April 1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers on 30 January 1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Chairman : Tuhin Kanta Pandey
• SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India under the ownership of the Ministry of Finance (MoF), GoI.

India’s Unified Payments Interface completes 10 years of transforming digital payments

• Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has completed 10 years of operations, transforming India from a cash-led economy to a real-time digital payment system.

Key Highlights :

• The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) launched UPI in 2016, simplifying money movement and digital transactions across India.
• UPI replaced complex banking details by eliminating the need for account numbers and IFSC codes, enabling a simple and user-friendly payment interface.
• The system has expanded significantly from 216 banks in 2021 to 691 banks by January 2026, forming a unified national payments infrastructure.
• In January 2026 alone, UPI processed 21.70 billion transactions, reflecting massive adoption and daily usage across the country.
• UPI accounts for 81% of all retail digital transactions in India, making it the dominant digital payment system in the country.
• According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), UPI is the world’s largest real-time payment system by transaction volume.
• UPI is evolving into a broader financial ecosystem, with features like UPI Lite for small payments and UPI AutoPay for recurring payments such as bills and subscriptions.
• Institutions like the IMF and World Bank have recognized UPI for its scale, efficiency, and financial inclusion impact.
• UPI has expanded globally and is now linked with countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, France, Mauritius, and Qatar.
• The system holds around 49% share in global real-time payment transaction volume, highlighting India’s leadership in digital payment innovation.

Recent News :

• In April 2026, Unified Payments Interface (UPI) recorded 64 billion transactions in March 2026, reflecting strong growth in digital payments in India.

Visa and HDFC Bank launch FIFA World Cup 2026 credit card and rewards campaign

• Visa and HDFC Bank launched a limited-edition FIFA World Cup 2026 Pixel Credit Card along with a nationwide “Spend & Win” campaign.
• The card is a FIFA-themed variant of HDFC’s Pixel Play digital credit card, available via the PayZapp app and HDFC Bank website.
• The launch event was held in Mumbai, attended by former England footballer Michael Owen.
• The card issuance began on 11 April 2026, targeting digital-first and young urban consumers.
• The Spend & Win campaign is applicable across HDFC Bank’s entire card portfolio, including credit cards, debit cards, business cards, and forex prepaid cards.
• Customers can earn rewards through everyday spending, including FIFA World Cup 2026 match packages, official merchandise, staycations, and shopping vouchers.
• The campaign aims to make FIFA experiences accessible across income segments, not limited to premium cardholders.
• The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
• The tournament will feature an expanded 48-team format, making it the largest FIFA World Cup edition to date.

About HDFC Bank:

• Founded: 1994
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Managing Director & CEO: Sashidhar Jagdishan
• Tagline: "We understand your world"

Reliance Jio and Bank of Baroda launch ‘bob World Lite’ for feature phones to enhance digital inclusion

• Reliance Jio and Bank of Baroda have partnered to launch ‘bob World Lite’, a mobile banking app for feature phone users on JioPhone Prima 4G.
• The initiative aims to expand digital banking access beyond smartphones, supporting financial inclusion in India.
• It aligns with the goals of the Government of India and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to promote digital payments and inclusive banking services.
• The ‘bob World Lite’ app is designed as a lightweight mobile banking solution for affordable feature phones, targeting users in semi-urban and rural areas.
• The app is built on a low-bandwidth, lightweight architecture with keypad-based navigation and secure access.
• It will be pre-installed on JioPhone Prima 4G devices and accessible directly from the home screen.
• Existing users can also download it via the JioStore, ensuring wide accessibility.
• The platform is open to Bank of Baroda customers and customers of other banks through a simple self-onboarding process.
• The app currently offers UPI-based Scan & Pay, money transfers, bill payments, mobile recharges, and profile management services.
• Additional digital banking features will be added in future updates to enhance user experience.
• The initiative strengthens digital financial inclusion, rural banking access, and expansion of India’s fintech ecosystem.

About Bank of Baroda (BoB):

• Founded: 1908
• Headquarters: Vadodara, Gujarat, India
• Managing Director & CEO: Debadatta Chand
• Tagline: "India’s International Bank"

National Stock Exchange of India gets Ministry of Corporate Affairs approval to reserve ‘National Coal Exchange of India Limited’ name for proposed coal trading platform

• The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) has received approval from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) to reserve the name “National Coal Exchange of India Limited” for its proposed coal trading platform.
• The approval is only for name reservation and does not provide operational or regulatory clearance for launching the exchange.
• NSE plans to establish the exchange through a wholly owned subsidiary, following its board approval in February 2026.
• The proposed platform aims to create a transparent, market-driven coal trading system to improve price discovery and allocation efficiency in the sector.
• The exchange will involve an initial capital infusion of up to ₹100 crore, strengthening its financial foundation for development.
• NSE will hold a 60% stake in the venture, while the remaining 40% will be offered to other investors, ensuring a mixed ownership structure.
• The next step is to obtain a licence from the Coal Controller Organisation before the exchange can begin operations.
• The initiative is part of efforts to improve efficiency, transparency, and structured trading in the coal sector.

PhonePe and SBI Card launch co-branded credit card with zero joining fee offer

• PhonePe, in partnership with SBI Card, has launched a co-branded credit card with a limited-time first-year fee waiver to improve accessibility and adoption of digital credit services.
• The PhonePe SBI Card is available on both RuPay and Visa networks, targeting digital-first users and integrating seamlessly with the PhonePe app ecosystem.
• The card aims to expand credit access, promote digital payments, and enhance customer rewards, especially among PhonePe’s large user base.
• The card offers a universal rewards structure, providing 5% rewards on all online purchases regardless of merchant or brand.
• Users earn 10% rewards on select PhonePe ecosystem categories, including mobile recharges, utility bill payments, and routine digital transactions.
• Additional benefits include rewards on insurance premium payments, helping users save on essential financial expenses.
• For offline spending via UPI, the RuPay variant offers 1% rewards on scan-and-pay transactions, making everyday payments more rewarding.
• The card includes travel perks such as 4 complimentary domestic airport lounge visits per year without spending requirements.
• Users also receive a 2-year Priority Pass membership, enabling access to international airport lounges.
• Reward points can be redeemed directly against credit card bills, with 1 point equal to ₹1, increasing liquidity and value redemption flexibility.
• The application process is fully digital via the PhonePe app, ensuring a seamless onboarding experience.
• SBI Card, launched in October 1998 in New Delhi, is a joint venture between State Bank of India and GE Capital.

Recent News :

• In March 2026, PhonePe Limited launched the RuPay ‘On-The-Go’ Card, a National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) designed for contactless payments across public transport systems in India.

About PhonePe:

• Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
• Founded: 2015
• CEO: Sameer Nigam

 CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL NAD STATE NEWS

Ministry of Civil Aviation Approves Warangal and Adilabad Airports in Telangana

• The Ministry of Civil Aviation approved the development of two new airports at Warangal and Adilabad in Telangana.
• The decision was announced during a special meeting chaired by Rajnath Singh, Union Minister of the Ministry of Defence, held in New Delhi.

Key Highlights

• The foundation stone for Warangal Airport will be laid at Mamnoor within the next three months
• The Ministry of Defence will develop the Adilabad Airport project
• The airport will be constructed over 370 acres of land
• The Airports Authority of India will build the civilian terminal at Adilabad Airport
• Adilabad Airport will serve a dual purpose, supporting civilian flight operations and armed forces training activities
• The development of these airports is expected to improve regional connectivity and infrastructure development in Telangana

RECENT NEWS

• To strengthen the India’s artificial intelligence ecosystem the Deakin University and the Government of Telangana have signed the strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Hyderabad in the April 2026. This agreement focused on to the advancing applied artificial intelligence (AI) via the collaborative research, innovation and skill development initiatives.

About Telangana:

• Capital: Hyderabad
• Governor: Shiv Pratap Shukla
• Chief Minister: Anumula Revanth Reddy
• National Parks: Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park, Mrugavani National Park, Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary, Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary, Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary

SARAL AI Platform to Simplify Research Content into 18 Indian Languages

• Minister of the Science & Technology Jitendra Singh announced that the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) is developing an AI-powered platform SARAL AI to convert complex research papers and patents into simple, social media-friendly content in 18 Indian languages, aiming to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and the general public.

Key Highlights

• The platform will convert research papers and patents into short videos, podcasts, posters, and social media content
• The platform will also prepare business briefs and presentations for practical and policy-level use
• The initiative aims to promote scientific awareness among citizens and enhance public engagement with research
• It supports evidence-based decision-making and encourages innovation-driven development
• The announcement was made during a review meeting held in New Delhi
• ANRF is focusing on mission-mode research programmes and faster translation of research into real-world applications
• The foundation is strengthening collaboration between academia, industry, and government
• To improve the research ecosystem, nodal officers have been deployed in 250 institutions
• Administrative processes related to research support are being simplified
• WhatsApp and Arattai channels have been launched for real-time updates to researchers
• PM-ECRG Lightning Talk Series has been introduced to enable researchers to present their work in short formats

About ANRF

• Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) - established through an Act of Parliament: ANRF Act, 2023, to provide high-level strategic directions for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the fields of natural sciences, including mathematical sciences, engineering and technology, environmental and earth sciences, health and agriculture, and scientific and technological interfaces of humanities and social sciences.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Russia designates Stanford University as ‘undesirable’, putting students at legal risk

• Russia has officially designated Stanford University as an “undesirable organisation”, making any association illegal for Russian citizens.
• The decision was announced by the Russian Ministry of Justice, escalating the crackdown on foreign academic institutions.
• Under Russian law, students linked to “undesirable organisations” can face up to 4 years of imprisonment, while organisers or collaborators may face up to 6 years in prison.
• The move effectively criminalises academic engagement with Stanford University, one of the world’s leading research institutions.
• Stanford’s Centre for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies (CREEES) and CRISP (Crisis Simulation for Peace, Germany) were also added to the “undesirable” list.
• Over the past five years, at least 19 Western universities and educational programmes have been declared “undesirable” by Russia.
• More than 200 foreign organisations, including Yale University, Amnesty International, and British Council, have been blacklisted under this law.
• The classification is based on a 2015 Russian law, used to restrict foreign influence, independent media, and opposition groups.
• Earlier, institutions such as Tufts University, UC Berkeley, and George Washington University were also designated as “undesirable organisations”.
• According to the Liberty Forward advocacy group, around 2,000–3,000 Russians may face legal risks due to links with such institutions.

About Russia :

• President : Vladimir Putin
• Prime Minister : Mikhail Mishustin
• Capital : Moscow
• Currency : Russian ruble

 CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Anita Chaudhary Honoured with World Wide Fund for Nature Machchli National Award for Wildlife Conservation

• Anita Chaudhary, posted at Shergarh Wildlife Sanctuary, has rescued nearly 500 wild animals since 2021 and taken strong action against poachers, smugglers, and illegal mining activities.
• In recognition of her conservation efforts, she was honoured with the World Wide Fund for Nature Machchli National Award by the World Wide Fund for Nature.

Key Highlights

• Anita Chaudhary, aged 30, has emerged as a symbol of courage and commitment to wildlife conservation
• She has rescued more than 500 wild animals, including high-risk species such as crocodiles
• She has been serving in Shergarh Wildlife Sanctuary for nearly 10 years
• The sanctuary spans about 9,880 hectares and is home to species such as leopards, sloth bears, hyenas, wild boars, chinkaras, and sambar deer
• The sanctuary lies between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, making it ecologically significant
• She registered more than 50 First Information Reports against poachers and illegal activities
• Her efforts helped reduce illegal mining, hunting, grazing, and forest produce smuggling including tendu leaves
• She contributed to creating water sources such as check dams and ponds to prevent animals from leaving the sanctuary
• The World Wide Fund for Nature Machchli National Award is named after the famous tigress Machli of Ranthambore National Park
• Her work highlights the importance of grassroots-level conservation and has inspired young forest personnel to protect forest ecosystems

Banaras Hindu University Wins Association of Indian Universities National Moot Court Competition 2026

• Banaras Hindu University won the Association of Indian Universities National Moot Court Competition 2026 held at Integral University, securing the first position along with a cash prize of ₹25,000, trophies, and medals while Chandigarh University secured the runner-up position with Rs 11,000.
• The competition witnessed participation from around 40 teams across India, making it a prestigious national-level legal event organized by the Association of Indian Universities.

Key Highlights

• The competition was conducted from 9 to 11 April 2026
• Around 40 teams from across India participated in the competition
• Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia National Law University received the Best Researcher Award
• Army Institute of Law received a special recognition award
• Mallika Chadha from Lovely Professional University received the Best Speaker Award
• Aligarh Muslim University received the Inspiring Excellence Award
• Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University and University of Lucknow were recognized as Best Regional Teams
• The competition included preliminary rounds, quarter-final rounds, and final courtroom simulation rounds
• A cultural evening featuring ghazal performances by Shailly Kapoor was organized during the event
• Moot court competitions help develop advocacy skills, legal reasoning ability, public speaking confidence, and practical exposure to judicial procedures among law students

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

LPG tanker Jag Vikram becomes first India-flagged vessel to cross Strait of Hormuz after Iran–United States ceasefire

• The India-flagged LPG tanker Jag Vikram became the first Indian vessel to transit the Strait of Hormuz after the Iran–Israel ceasefire, marking a cautious resumption of maritime movement.
• The transit through the Strait of Hormuz is significant as it carries around one-fifth of global oil and gas trade, making it a crucial global energy chokepoint.
• Jag Vikram is the 9th Indian vessel to exit the Persian Gulf since early March, while around 15 Indian-flagged ships remain stranded awaiting safe passage.
• The tanker is carrying approximately 20,000–20,400 tonnes of LPG and is expected to reach Mumbai, indicating restoration of India’s energy supply routes.
• The vessel is owned by the Great Eastern Shipping Company, Mumbai, and has a deadweight capacity of over 26,000 tonnes.
• Earlier, around 28 India-flagged vessels were stranded in the region during the West Asia conflict, including ships on both sides of the Strait.
• At least 426 tankers, 34 LPG carriers, and 19 LNG vessels remain in the region, highlighting major disruption in global maritime trade.
• India is the world’s 3rd largest energy consumer and 4th largest gas user, importing about 88% crude oil, 50% natural gas, and 60% LPG
• A major share of imports—about 50% crude oil, 40% gas, and 85–90% LPG—comes from Gulf countries via the Strait of Hormuz.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPS & PORTALS

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launches mobile app to enhance clinical workflow of Community Health Officers

• The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched a mobile application for Community Health Officers (CHOs) to strengthen primary healthcare delivery and digital health services.
• The application has been developed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) as a clinical decision-support and job-aid tool for CHOs.
• It is designed for use at Sub-Centre Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (SC-AAMs) under the Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC)
• The app aligns with the expanded 12 service packages of CPHC, ensuring standardised and comprehensive healthcare delivery.
• It provides structured clinical workflows acting as quick-reference checklists for patient assessment, diagnosis, referral, and treatment.
• The workflows include step-by-step guidance on history taking, physical examination, and diagnostic tests, improving clinical accuracy and efficiency.
• The application helps CHOs identify emergency cases quickly and ensure timely referral to higher healthcare facilities.
• It also provides pre-referral management guidance to help stabilise patients before transfer.
• For non-emergency cases, it supports treatment at SC-AAMs, referral pathways, and teleconsultation with higher centres.
• The app is structured into three key sections: Workflows, Assessment Tools, and Treat and Counsel, ensuring comprehensive patient management.
• A colour-coded system (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green) is used to simplify decision-making:
• Red indicates life-threatening emergencies requiring immediate referral
• Orange indicates need for specialist or doctor evaluation
• Yellow indicates manageable mild to moderate conditions
• Green indicates mild or healthy cases manageable at facility level
• The application integrates features such as patient registration, Electronic Health Records (EHR), teleconsultation, diagnostic reporting, and follow-up tracking.
• It ensures seamless integration with national digital health platforms, improving continuity of care and health outcomes.

About Ministry of Health and Family Welfare :

• Cabinet Minister : J. P. Nadda
• Minister of State : Anupriya Patel, Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

e-NAM launched in 2016 as a pan-India e-trading platform to integrate APMC mandis under ‘One Nation, One Market’

• The National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) was launched in 2016 as a pan-India electronic trading platform integrating APMC mandis to create a “One Nation, One Market” system for agricultural commodities.
• It addresses limitations of the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) system by enabling inter-state trade, transparent price discovery, and wider market access for farmers.
• The platform provides end-to-end digital services including gate entry, lot creation, quality testing, e-bidding, real-time price tracking, and direct e-payments (UPI, NEFT, RTGS) to farmers’ bank accounts.

Key Highlights :

• The e-NAM network expanded from 1,389 mandis in 2024 to 1,656 mandis by March 2026, covering 23 States and 4 Union Territories, indicating growing market integration.
• As of March 2026, the platform has registered over 80 crore farmers, 2.73 lakh traders, and 4,724 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
• The platform recorded cumulative trade of 13.25 crore metric tonnes with a total value of ₹4.84 lakh crore (2016–March 2026), reflecting increasing scale and participation.
• The trade value increased from ₹3.19 lakh crore in 2024 to ₹4.84 lakh crore in 2026, showing deepening market engagement.
• By March 2026, around 76 lakh metric tonnes of agricultural produce had been traded in recent periods, indicating strong operational momentum.
• The e-NAM app provides free price information for 247 notified commodities, enabling informed and timely decision-making by farmers.
• The platform features a multi-layered digital ecosystem including a web portal, mobile app, helpline, human support system, and AI-enabled quality assessment tools.
• The e-NAM web portal (gov.in) enables end-to-end digital agricultural marketing, linking mandis into a unified national market.
• It supports the complete trade lifecycle, including digital gate entry, unique lot ID tracking, quality assaying, online bidding, and direct payments.
• Key digital features include single-window services, real-time price dashboards, 12-language interface, and secondary sale module for resale within the platform.
• The inter-state trade facility allows traders to operate across states using a Unified License system.
• The government provides financial assistance up to ₹75 lakh per mandi for infrastructure development and digital integration.

Khanij Bidesh India Limited receives Argentina’s environmental clearance to explore five lithium brine blocks

• Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL), a state-owned company under the Ministry of Mines, has received environmental clearance from Argentina to explore five lithium brine blocks.
• The approval permits drilling of boreholes, geological surveys, and exploratory drilling to assess the quantity of lithium reserves for future extraction.
• KABIL had earlier signed an exploration and development agreement with a state-owned entity of Argentina’s Catamarca province, strengthening bilateral cooperation in critical mineral resources.
• The initiative aims to secure lithium supply chains for India while also developing lithium mining and downstream processing sectors in both countries.
• India is also exploring investment opportunities in lithium projects in Brazil, Canada, and Australia, to ensure global diversification of critical mineral sources.
• KABIL is a joint venture company of three Central Public Sector Enterprises:
• National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO)
• Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL)
• Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL)
• The shareholding structure of KABIL is 40:30:30 among these three PSUs.
• KABIL operates under the aegis of the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, focusing on critical mineral acquisition and overseas resource development.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Sawan Barwal Breaks India’s 48-Year-Old Marathon National Record

• Himachal Pradesh long-distance runner Sawan Barwal broke India’s longest-standing national marathon record at the NN Marathon Rotterdam held in Rotterdam, surpassing the previous record set by Shivnath Singh in 1978.
• This historic achievement ended a 48-year-old national record, marking a major milestone in India’s athletics journey and long-distance running history.

Key Highlights

• Sawan Barwal completed the marathon with a timing of 2:11:58
• He broke the previous national record of 2:12:00 set by Shivnath Singh in 1978
• The earlier record was the longest-standing national record in Indian athletics
• He finished 20th in the elite category at the Rotterdam Marathon
• The achievement reflects improved training standards and rising global competitiveness of Indian long-distance runners
• The record signals the growing strength of India’s long-distance running ecosystem
• Sawan Barwal, aged 28, belongs to Joginder Nagar in Himachal Pradesh
• He has built his reputation through consistent performances in national and international competitions
• His achievement highlights the emergence of a new generation of Indian marathon runners on the global stage

Wisden Names Mitchell Starc and Deepti Sharma as Leading Cricketers in the World for 2025

• Australian pacer Mitchell Starc and the Indian women's cricket team all-rounder Deepti Sharma were named the Leading Cricketers in the World for 2025 by the Wisden Cricketers' Almanack for their outstanding performances during the calendar year 2025.
• The announcement was made ahead of the release of the 163rd edition of the Almanack, highlighting strong representation from Indian cricketers in the honours list.

Key Highlights

• Mitchell Starc took 55 wickets in 11 Test matches at an average of 17.32
• He recorded a career-best spell of 6/9 against West Indies
• He claimed 31 wickets in the 2025–26 Ashes series, playing a key role in Australia’s Ashes victory
• Deepti Sharma played a crucial role in India’s first-ever Women’s One Day International World Cup victory (2025) held in India
• She scored 215 runs and took 22 wickets during the tournament
• In the final match, she scored 58 runs and took 5 wickets for 39 runs
• She was named Player of the Tournament for her all-round performance
• The Five Cricketers of the Year selected by Wisden Cricketers' Almanack included Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Siraj, and Haseeb Hameed
• These recognitions followed the India versus England Test series (2025) which ended in a 2–2 draw
• Shubman Gill scored 754 runs in the series at an average of 75.40, including four centuries
• He delivered a historic 430-run performance at Edgbaston
• He received the Wisden Trophy for Outstanding Individual Performance
• Abhishek Sharma was named the Leading Twenty20 Player in the World for 2025
• He scored more than 1,000 runs in Twenty20 cricket with a strike rate above 200, including multiple match-winning centuries

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

Baisakhi Observed on 14 April 2026

• Baisakhi, also known as Vaisakhi, is celebrated on 14 April 2026 across India, especially in the state of Punjab.
• The festival marks the harvest season, the Punjabi New Year, and holds deep religious significance for the Sikh community as it commemorates the formation of the Khalsa Panth.

• The festival marks the harvest of the rabi crop season, symbolizing prosperity and gratitude among farmers.
• The day holds special religious importance for the Sikh community as it commemorates the formation of the Khalsa Panth in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru.
• The formation of the Khalsa Panth established a distinct Sikh identity based on the values of equality, courage, faith, and selfless service.
• The festival reflects themes of faith, unity, gratitude, and community spirit within the Sikh community.
• Baisakhi is also celebrated in different parts of India under various regional traditions, highlighting its cultural and agricultural significance.

Puthandu 2026 Celebrated on 14 April Marking Tamil New Year

• Puthandu, also known as Varusha Pirappu, will be celebrated on 14 April 2026, marking the beginning of the Tamil New Year and the first day of the Tamil month Chithirai.
• The festival coincides with the Sun’s transition into Mesha (Aries), symbolizing new beginnings and prosperity.
• It is widely observed across Tamil Nadu with traditional rituals, prayers, and family celebrations.

Key Highlights

• Puthandu marks the beginning of the Tamil solar calendar year
• It is celebrated as a festival of renewal, prosperity, and positive beginnings
• The day is also known as Varusha Pirappu in Tamil tradition
• References to Puthandu are found in ancient Sangam literature, highlighting its historical significance
• The festival follows the solar cycle and has links with traditional agricultural seasons and spring harvest
• A key ritual of the day is Kanni, where people view auspicious items such as fruits, flowers, mirrors, and gold early in the morning
• People clean and decorate their homes, wear new clothes, and visit temples to offer prayers
• Families prepare the traditional dish Mango pachadi, symbolizing the different flavours and experiences of life
• The festival promotes family bonding, cultural identity, gratitude, and spiritual reflection
• Puthandu celebrations highlight the cultural heritage and traditions of Tamil communities in India and abroad

RECENT NEWS

• Tamil Nadu has emerged as the India’s top textile exporter in 2024-25 with state has surpassing Gujarat and Maharashtra with exports worth of $7,997.17 million. In the last four years state recorded a strong growth of over 29% which is reflecting consistent policy support and expansion.

Daily CA One- Liner: April 15

• The Ministry of Civil Aviation approved the development of two new airports at Warangal and Adilabad in Telangana
• Minister of the Science & Technology Jitendra Singh announced that the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) is developing an AI-powered platform SARAL AI to convert complex research papers and patents into simple, social media-friendly content in 18 Indian languages, aiming to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and the general public
• Anita Chaudhary, posted at Shergarh Wildlife Sanctuary, has rescued nearly 500 wild animals since 2021 and taken strong action against poachers, smugglers, and illegal mining activities
• Banaras Hindu University won the Association of Indian Universities National Moot Court Competition 2026 held at Integral University, securing the first position along with a cash prize of ₹25,000, trophies, and medals while Chandigarh University secured the runner-up position with Rs 11,000
• Himachal Pradesh long-distance runner Sawan Barwal broke India’s longest-standing national marathon record at the NN Marathon Rotterdam held in Rotterdam, surpassing the previous record set by Shivnath Singh in 1978
• Australian pacer Mitchell Starc and the Indian women's cricket team all-rounder Deepti Sharma were named the Leading Cricketers in the World for 2025 by the Wisden Cricketers' Almanack for their outstanding performances during the calendar year 2025
• Baisakhi, also known as Vaisakhi, is celebrated on 14 April 2026 across India, especially in the state of Punjab
• Puthandu, also known as Varusha Pirappu, will be celebrated on 14 April 2026, marking the beginning of the Tamil New Year and the first day of the Tamil month Chithirai
• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) launched three new Information Technology (IT) platforms to enhance ease of doing business, transparency, and cybersecurity oversight.
• Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has completed 10 years of operations, transforming India from a cash-led economy to a real-time digital payment system.
• Visa and HDFC Bank launched a limited-edition FIFA World Cup 2026 Pixel Credit Card along with a nationwide “Spend & Win” campaign.
• Reliance Jio and Bank of Baroda have partnered to launch ‘bob World Lite’, a mobile banking app for feature phone users on JioPhone Prima 4G.
• The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) has received approval from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) to reserve the name “National Coal Exchange of India Limited” for its proposed coal trading platform.
• PhonePe, in partnership with SBI Card, has launched a co-branded credit card with a limited-time first-year fee waiver to improve accessibility and adoption of digital credit services.
• Russia has officially designated Stanford University as an “undesirable organisation”, making any association illegal for Russian citizens.
• The India-flagged LPG tanker Jag Vikram became the first Indian vessel to transit the Strait of Hormuz after the Iran–Israel ceasefire, marking a cautious resumption of maritime movement.
• The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched a mobile application for Community Health Officers (CHOs) to strengthen primary healthcare delivery and digital health services.
• The National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) was launched in 2016 as a pan-India electronic trading platform integrating APMC mandis to create a “One Nation, One Market” system for agricultural commodities.
• Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL), a state-owned company under the Ministry of Mines, has received environmental clearance from Argentina to explore five lithium brine blocks.